The Problem of Hiring the “Cheapest Moving Company”

Hire the best company within your specific budget

Both the internet and Yellow Pages are full of moving companies offering the “cheapest” rates. With the pandemic shutdowns, family budgets are stretched very thin, so it may be very tempting to contract with the movers who offer you a rate too good to be true.

We all know that moving can be chaotic, stressful, and a budget buster.

However, Alliance Relocation Services wants to caution you that the quest to save money may actually lead down an unfortunate and costly rabbit hole.

Most parents wouldn’t do a Google search for “cheapest pediatric dentist” for their kids. Still, most wouldn’t hesitate to Google the phrase “cheap movers” or “cheapest moving companies” and start with the top search results.

There are many, many reputable moving companies. Many are family-owned businesses that rely on offering top quality services at budget prices. They consistently offer their clients accurate estimates and superior service.

Unfortunately, there are too many scammers in the moving industry as well. Let’s take a look at what can go wrong so you can hire the best company within your specific budget without getting scammed.

Bait and Switch

Also known as low ball estimates, this is exactly how many disreputable moving companies generate higher profits. Some even have scripts written for every type of scenario, so it sounds so professional.

It works like this: They offer a very low moving quote. You accept and sign the contract without reading the fine print or understanding the heavily regulated moving industry. Your items are safely loaded onto their moving truck. Then in order to get those items off, you will be presented with additional costs. Your goods are held hostage. Many times, the additional expenses are thousands of dollars more than the original estimate.

The practice is illegal and sadly common.

Obtain multiple moving estimates in writing to help weed out the scammers. Read the contract before signing it.

The Last-Minute Cancellation

If you have a very tight budget that makes hiring the cheapest moving company your only option, consider alternate arrangements in case you are on the receiving end of a last-minute cancellation. These can happen for a variety of reasons with disreputable movers. This can also happen when you use a broker.

Online brokers in particular have very little control over the service provider they use. Brokers will typically shop the move around for the absolute cheapest price. Those moving companies can ditch your move if a better paying job comes their way. That will leave you in a very difficult situation.

Unrealistic Delivery Promises

Making unrealistic promises about delivery times is another way you can become a victim of a disreputable mover. If you are moving locally, typically the truck is loaded and unloaded on the same day.

If you are moving to a new state or cross country, your shipment could potentially take weeks to arrive. Due to FMCSA regulations, commercial drivers (like moving company van operators) must adhere to strict limits that dictate how much they can work and drive on a given day.

If you are moving cross country, that’s typically a 4-to-5 day drive. Plus, if your shipment doesn’t fill the entire truck, the driver will want to take on and make other deliveries along the way.

If the delivery window seems unrealistic, it probably is.

Moving Alternatives

If you need to save significant money, then a DIY move may be the right option for you. You can rent a moving truck and ask friends and family to help. However, once you get to your destination, you will need to find a way to unload the truck without those friends and family.

The other option is a moving pod. You pack and unpack the pod, and the company picks up and delivers the pod. This can be very handy if you need your items in storage for a short time.

Final Thoughts

Regardless of the moving method you choose, you will want to carefully consider protecting your most valuable assets. Alliance Relocation Services has decades of experience with creating custom crates for items such as expensive large appliances, pianos, and other items such as motorcycles. Save money by protecting your treasured items. Contact Alliance Relocation Services for a free quote.